Wayne Humphreys, 77, was spotted driving on a country road driving his white Audi Q7 in Wales last year. The video, which showed his car passing near a cyclist, was sent to GoSafe, the Welsh road police team, to reduce road fatalities and save lives. Mr. Humphreys, a warehouse manager, contacted during the maneuver, but did not attend a lesson or pay a fine. He was prosecuted in the Cardiff Magistrates’ Court for driving without due diligence and was sentenced to four years in prison and fined 88 1,887 in fines and expenses.
“I think the fine is absolutely awful”
Mr Humphreys said: “I think the fine is absolutely horrible. I’m 77 years old and the last fine I had was 35 to 40 years ago because I did 34 miles an hour in a 30 zone. “Besides, I have never been fined and I have a 60-year leave.” The video was uploaded to GoSafe’s Operation Snap portal, a site where the public can submit footage of possible traffic violations. Mr Humphreys said he and his son measured the road in Bridgend, South Wales and estimated that the gap left for the cyclist was sufficient and safe. He added: “Considering the cyclist and his bike, there would be at least four more legs. “I find it absolutely unbelievable what happened. I do not know if I will object or not. It will probably cost me more money. “It has already cost me about 4.5 4,500 with the money for the court and the lawyer. “It does not make sense to me.”
“Submissions are taken seriously”
A GoSafe spokesman said: “GoSafe regularly receives similar submissions through Op Snap and has worked closely with drivers and cycling teams to develop Operation Close Pass, which aims to educate both drivers and cyclists on how to to remain safe on our roads. “This includes promoting one of the key things to remember when overtaking a cyclist, slowing down and always leaving 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) between your vehicle and a cyclist whenever it is safe to You are doing it. “Nevertheless, unfortunately, GoSafe continues to receive regular Op Snap submissions related to crossing closures. This result shows that these submissions are taken seriously and given due consideration as we continue to work to ensure that our paths they are safer for everyone. “ The introduction of the Operation Snap portal is expected to lead to an increase in the number of fines for motorists who drive dangerously close to cyclists, especially after updating the rules of the Motorway Code to enhance protection for those who use bicycles. To watch more videos from The Telegraph, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
